The Dallas Cowboys may be facing yet another major shake-up on their offensive line. Just days after star guard Zack Martin announced his retirement, an insider has suggested that another longtime Cowboys lineman, a four-time Pro Bowler, should consider following suit.
According to reports, speculation has grown around left tackle Tyron Smith’s future with the Cowboys. The 33-year-old veteran has battled numerous injuries over the last several seasons, and some within the organization reportedly believe it may be time for him to walk away from the game.
NFL analyst and Cowboys insider Bryan Broaddus stirred controversy on Tuesday when he suggested that Smith, much like Martin, has endured enough wear and tear to consider stepping away. “Tyron Smith is a Hall of Fame talent, but you have to ask how much more his body can take,” Broaddus said during a segment on 105.3 The Fan. “Zack Martin made the call to step away while he still had some left in the tank, and it wouldn’t shock me if Tyron Smith did the same.”
Smith, who has spent his entire 13-year career with the Cowboys, has been an anchor on Dallas’ offensive line but has struggled to stay on the field in recent years. He has not played a full season since 2015, dealing with a series of nagging injuries, including neck, back, and knee issues. Despite his physical setbacks, Smith has remained one of the league’s most respected tackles when healthy, earning his ninth Pro Bowl nod in 2023.
With Martin retiring and Smith’s future uncertain, the Cowboys could be looking at a complete overhaul of their offensive line heading into the 2024 season. Dallas already faces key decisions regarding its roster, and losing another veteran leader would leave a significant void in both talent and leadership.
While Smith has not publicly hinted at retirement, insiders believe the decision could come down to whether his body can endure another grueling season. The Cowboys could also play a role in the decision if they choose to move on and invest in younger talent to protect quarterback Dak Prescott.
Should Smith retire, it would mark the end of an era for one of the most dominant offensive line units in recent history. Alongside Martin, Smith was a key figure in Dallas’ success in the trenches, paving the way for elite running backs like Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard while providing consistent protection for Prescott.
For now, Smith remains on the Cowboys’ roster, but with free agency and the NFL Draft approaching, all eyes will be on whether he decides to call it a career. If the whispers are true, Dallas could be forced to rebuild one of its most crucial position groups sooner than expected.
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